Since joining the Club Changer Program in 2024, Westside Strikers FC has taken significant strides in elevating opportunities for women and girls across all levels of the club.
This commitment has already delivered meaningful results, with the club proudly establishing their first senior women’s team and increasing their female player registrations by 50% since.
Now ranked 11th in the western corridor, Westside Strikers is continuing to grow, with clear ambitions to climb even higher through the strategies and support provided by the program.
Westside’s communications & club changer manager Michelle Farrugia explains “The Club Changer Program has played a pivotal role in transforming our club and has driven real progress and opportunity in the women’s and girls’ space.
"It has given us the tools, direction and confidence to create more opportunities, build a more inclusive environment, and set a stronger foundation for the future of female football at our club. We cannot thank Josephine La Pila and Football Victoria enough for their guidance.”
A key focus moving forward is developing female leadership within the club. With plans to introduce the CoacHER Program, Westside aims to empower more women to step into coaching roles and shape the next generation of players.
Off the pitch, the club is equally committed to driving change. In a powerful step forward, Westside Strikers now boasts 50% female representation on its committee and has appointed a female Technical Director, breaking new ground and setting a strong example for community sport.
2026 also marked a major milestone, with the successful launch of the inaugural Westside Strikers Girls Cup. This event is all about supporting girls in football, building confidence, creating opportunities and bringing our community together to celebrate the game we all love.
Supporting this growth, the club has completed new, dedicated female-friendly change rooms as part of its development plan, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all players.
Westside Strikers continues to lead with purpose, creating pathways, breaking barriers, and building a future where women and girls thrive in football.